Yes. Medicare Part B covers flu shots at CVS pharmacy counters and at in-store MinuteClinic locations at no cost, with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. This applies whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, as long as CVS accepts Medicare assignment for the vaccine, which providers who administer the flu shot are required to do.1CVS Health. Updated Flu Vaccinations Now Available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic2CMS. Flu Provider3Medicare.gov. Flu Vaccines
Part B pays for one flu shot per flu season. Because a season runs roughly November through April, it is possible to receive two covered shots in the same calendar year if they fall in different seasons, and Medicare can cover additional shots within a season if your doctor decides they are medically necessary.4Medicare Interactive. Flu Shots2CMS. Flu Provider The Part B deductible does not apply.
How To Get the Shot at CVS
You can schedule online at CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com, or through the CVS Health app, or walk in seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.1CVS Health. Updated Flu Vaccinations Now Available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic Bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card if you have Original Medicare, or your plan’s member ID if you have Medicare Advantage. CVS uses that information to bill Medicare directly, and you should owe nothing at the register.5CVS. MinuteClinic – Medicare and Medicaid
Two things are worth checking before you go. Medicare.gov advises confirming that the specific pharmacy accepts Medicare assignment.3Medicare.gov. Flu Vaccines And if you are on Medicare Advantage, verify that the CVS location is in your plan’s network, since an out-of-network visit may not be covered at the $0 rate.6Humana. Does Medicare Cover Flu Shot
If you have a Medigap policy alongside Original Medicare, it generally will not need to pay anything for a flu shot because Part B already covers the full cost.7Medigap.com. What Parts of Medicare Cover Vaccines
Which Flu Vaccines Are Covered for Adults 65 and Older
For the 2025–2026 season, Medicare Part B covers trivalent flu vaccines, which protect against three flu strains. This is a shift from prior seasons, when quadrivalent vaccines were standard.3Medicare.gov. Flu Vaccines
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices preferentially recommends three vaccines for adults 65 and older:8CDC. ACIP Recommendations
- Fluzone High-Dose Trivalent, a high-dose vaccine designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults.
- Fluad Trivalent, an adjuvanted vaccine that includes an ingredient to boost immune response.
- Flublok Trivalent, a recombinant, egg-free vaccine that also generates a stronger response than standard-dose options.
Studies suggest these three are potentially more effective for the 65-and-older age group than standard-dose versions.9CDC. Flu and People 65 Years and Older All are covered at no cost. If none of the preferred vaccines are on hand at your visit, the CDC recommends getting whatever age-appropriate flu vaccine is available rather than skipping it.8CDC. ACIP Recommendations Not every CVS stocks every brand, so call ahead if you have a preference.
Part B vs. Part D at the Pharmacy
Medicare splits vaccine coverage between two programs. Flu shots are covered under Part B, along with pneumonia, hepatitis B (for those at medium to high risk), and COVID-19 vaccines. Most other adult vaccines, such as shingles, Tdap, and RSV, are covered under Part D, the prescription drug benefit. Since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, ACIP-recommended Part D vaccines are also available at $0.10CMS. Medicare Part D Vaccines11Triage Cancer. Inflation Reduction Act Vaccines The billing path differs behind the counter; the price to you is the same.
What To Do if CVS Charges You for a Flu Shot
Because flu vaccine providers must accept Medicare assignment, a charge is almost always a billing error rather than a coverage problem. Common causes include outdated vaccine product codes carried over from the previous season,12Palmetto GBA. Preventive Services – Immunization a missing modifier 59 when you get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine on the same day (a requirement in effect since July 2025),13NCPA. Urgent Part B Vaccine Claims Info or your Medicare information not being on file at the pharmacy.
Ask the pharmacist to resubmit the claim. Pharmacies can edit and resubmit Part B vaccine claims within 365 days of the date of service.13NCPA. Urgent Part B Vaccine Claims Info If that does not resolve the charge, call 1-800-MEDICARE.5CVS. MinuteClinic – Medicare and Medicaid